It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again. A time filled with holiday parties and get-togethers which usually include lots of yummy holiday desserts and alcoholic beverages. A time when you might be more inclined to indulge and keep eating long after you feel full.

You have to be social, after all, and it is a time to celebrate.

But you can celebrate like normal and not go overboard. I know what you’re thinking–yeah, right. That’s okay if you’re skeptical. Just stick with me here. I’ll tell you how you can do it.

Eat Protein Before the Party

If your stomach is rumbling before your party, stop and have a healthy snack that contains protein before you head out. Protein will help keep you satisfied, and you’ll be less likely to inhale every goodie you can find at the party. Some good choices are:

• a handful of almonds, walnuts, or pistachio nuts

• a hardboiled egg

• chia pudding (mix a cup of almond milk with three tablespoons of chia seeds and ¼ tsp of cinnamon (Let it sit until it’s the consistency of tapioca)

• sliced apple with almond butter

Whatever you do, don’t go to a party hungry.

Choose Wisely

You might be faced with cakes, pies with whipped cream and ice cream, cookies, milk chocolate, fried hors d’oeuvres, crackers, cheese, pigs in a blanket, ice cream, etc., but keep looking. If they are available, options like shrimp with cocktail sauce, raw veggies with dip or a fruit salad are better choices. The protein and fiber will help you feel satiated and the sweetness in the fruit salad could keep you from eating too many cookies.

Rich and sugary treats are tempting, and you will likely want some, but if you ensure your plate has veggies and other healthy options on it, you will be less likely to go overboard.

Putting your fork or spoon down between every bite will cause you to eat more slowly. Chewing your food thoroughly will also help with your digestion.

Drink Up

No, I’m not encouraging you to drink lots of egg nog and multiple sugary alcoholic beverages. What I am talking about is water. If you do plan to drink alcohol, you risk becoming dehydrated, which contributes to your hangover the next day. Alcohol also depletes nutrients such as vitamins C and B.

It’s a good idea to make sure you’re hydrated throughout the day, and that you drink a glass of water between every alcoholic beverage. Generally, two litres of water is good to have, and if you’re going to be drinking alcoholic beverages, even more is needed.

Leave Your Guilt at Home

Being exposed to loads of holiday foods that might not be the healthiest shouldn’t cause you to worry that you won’t have anything to eat, or cause you to feel guilty during or afterward. You might dread gaining weight over the holidays, but keeping these tips in mind will help. Enjoy your friends and family, and if you do choose to indulge, don’t beat yourself up. If the majority of what you eat and drink is good for you, don’t sweat that sugary dessert or spiked punch.

If you really want to be sure you will have something at your party that you can eat, offer to make a healthy dish and present it to your host or hostess.

For guidance not just during the holiday season but going forward, I’m here to help get you on track. Contact me to book an appointment.